Road Work on vital transportation link to occur for next two years
City of Naperville Map
Contractors working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are expected to begin roadway construction on the highly anticipated Rt. 59 Expansion Project on or around Monday, August 19, pending weather and unforeseen circumstances.
Once construction begins, the public can expect lane closures and significant traffic delays along and around the area. Motorists are encouraged to allow more time for traveling in the area or adjust their routes if possible to avoid high-congestion areas due to the construction. The project limits include Ferry Rd. to Aurora Ave./New York St. as well as improvements to the major intersections within that three-mile corridor, including Diehl Rd., North Aurora Rd. and Aurora Ave./New York St. Construction is expected to be complete in 2015.
Intermittent lane closures have already been underway in portions along the corridor as utility relocations have occurred in the past year. In addition, crews continue to work on replacing the pump station near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad underpass. This August will mark the first time roadway work is beginning as part of the project, which is being led by IDOT.
As a vital transportation link to the entire region, the Illinois Route 59 corridor will be expanded so that safety and traffic flow can be improved for Naperville’s residents, visitors and commuters. Based upon analysis of current roadway conditions and public input obtained in recent years, the roadway will be widened to three lanes in each direction, additional turn lanes will be added and existing turn lanes will be extended, access from smaller side streets and driveways will be restricted or eliminated to improve traffic flow and sidewalks and bike paths will be installed wherever practical. The project also includes the implementation of an innovative diverging diamond configuration on the bridge over I-88 that will enhance safety and traffic flow. For additional information, visit the project webpage at www.naperville.il.us/route59expansion.aspx.
The following video provides an overview of the major changes to the intersection at I-88 and Rt. 59 with the construction of a diverging diamond interchange.
While the Illinois Rt. 59 Expansion Project is a state-led initiative, the City of Naperville has been very involved in the project since its conception and is taking proactive approaches to keep residents, motorists and others informed about how the project will affect them. The City is working closely with IDOT and surrounding townships and cities affected by the project to ensure the public is informed and the project is successful. Schedule changes, impacts to the public, and other information will be posted on a regular basis to the City’s project webpage, the Rt. 59 eNewsletter and Road Closure and Construction Alerts eNewsletter and in the local media whenever possible.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.
